Chamberlain of London

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Richard Clark (1739-1831) wearing his black furred robe as Chamberlain of the City of London

The Chamberlain of the City of London is an ancient office, dating back to at least 1237. Originally responsible for collection and distribution of revenues within the City of London. and nominally appointed by The Crown, the office-holder's term traditionally began on Midsummer Day and cannot be removed "unless some great cause of complaint appear against him".[1]

In 1590, the right of the Chamberlain to levy local taxes on goods sold within the city was upheld in The Chamberlain of London’s Case as a valid regulatory measure.[2]

Today the office still has important ceremonial responsibilities, including administering the creation of Freemen of London[3]

The chamberlain is the finance director of the City of London Corporation. He is the financial adviser, accountant, receiver and paymaster and is responsible for the City of London’s local and private / trust funds. He is also responsible for making arrangements for the investment of City of London and other funds and is one of the three official trustees. Through the Chamberlain's Court he also administers the admission to the Freedom of the City and personally admits all Honorary Freemen. He is also responsible to the Court of Aldermen for constituting new livery companies and interpreting and amending their ordinances and charters. The chamberlain’s relationship with the Court of Common Council is the same that applies to other local authority Chief Finance Officers (CFO) and he therefore has the same responsibilities placed on him as any other CFO in the UK. The current chamberlain is Dr. Peter Kane, the 80th chamberlain in continuous succession dating back to 1237.

Full list of Chamberlains

References

  1. ^ "Book 2, Ch. 2 - Summary of civil government". British History Online. Retrieved 2009-12-12.
  2. ^ "Online Library of Liberty - Cases of By-Laws and Ordinances The Chamberlain of London's Case. - Selected Writings of Sir Edward Coke, vol. I". oll.libertyfund.org. Retrieved 2009-12-12.
  3. ^ "Chamberlain's Court ceremony". www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. Retrieved 2009-12-12.
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